Best Mechanic Tool Sets in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 27, 2023
Any auto mechanic worth his salt knows that a good kit takes you halfway to solving any problem. With that in mind, take a look at our lineup and choose the best mechanic socket set to help with your car maintenance. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Total Quantity
Kit Contents
Material
Extras
Warranty
 
PROS

The storage case incorporates 2 extra clips (2 on the front and 2 on the sides), so it keeps the upper half of the case securely in place. Every compartment fits every item to a tee, so the case doesn't create any kind of noise during transportation. 

CONS

The smallest hex keys are prone to deformation. 

OUR VERDICT

The sheer number of pieces makes the Parker PSS-215 a good candidate for the best mechanic socket set on the market today. And if it isn't the best set, it is certainly the most complete one. There isn't a project it won't allow you to tackle and a problem it won't help you fix.

detailed parameters
Total Quantity

215 pieces

Kit Contents

Handles with 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drives, metric shallow sockets, metric deep sockets, extension bars, universal joints, socket adapters, combination spanners, socket driver, bit driver with bits, hex keys, storage case

Material

Cr-V steel

Extras

Flush-mounted ratchet reversing lever, quick-release mechanism on handles, 72-tooth ratcheting mechanism, anti-slip driver handle, engraved markings

Warranty

Limited lifetime

PROS

The toolkit includes a universal joint and socket bits. The universal joint, when paired with extension bars, will allow you to position the sockets at a different angle to the handles. This way, you'll be able to reach the fasteners in confined spaces. 

CONS

The set doesn't include a drive bit for bit sockets. 

OUR VERDICT

The Silverline 868818 will prove a pretty good choice for a professional car mechanic or anyone who deals with car maintenance one way or the other. You can throw this thing into the boot of your car and you'll always be ready for any potential issue on the road.

detailed parameters
Total Quantity

90 pieces

Kit Contents

Handles with 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drives, metric and SAE shallow sockets, metric and SAE deep sockets, extension bars, universal joint, socket adapters, combination spanners, socket bits, storage case

Material

Cr-V steel

Extras

Flush-mounted ratchet reversing lever, quick-release mechanism on handles, 72-tooth ratcheting mechanism, engraved markings

Warranty

Limited lifetime

PROS

All of the pieces are made of high-quality tempered carbon steel. The handles and the drive bits incorporate non-slip grips. They're particularly comfortable and prevent the tools from slipping out of your hands. The clearly laid out and labelled compartments simplify and improve tool organisation. 

CONS

The clips on the storage case lose their grip over time.

OUR VERDICT

If you're looking for one of the more versatile mechanic tool sets, you should definitely consider giving the VonHaus 15/176 a shot. The product is excellent for all kinds of DIY projects in and around the house. That said, it is just as well-suited for plumbing, mechanical, and electrical jobs.

detailed parameters
Total Quantity

104 pieces

Kit Contents

Handles with 1/4" and 1/2" drives, metric shallow sockets, metric deep sockets, extension bars, socket adapter, combination spanners, bit driver with bits, storage case

Material

Cr-V steel

Extras

Flush-mounted ratchet reversing lever, quick-release mechanism on handles, 72-tooth ratcheting mechanism, anti-slip driver handle, engraved markings

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The red holders and the handle will help you distinguish the right parts. All of the compartments are marked, making it easy and oddly satisfying to store everything in its place. The sockets and the hex keys incorporate the Torx™ design that gives you 2 different sizes in a single tool.

CONS

The ratchet reversing lever is not flush-mounted. 

OUR VERDICT

The Draper 68504 Redline is a perfect set for beginners. It is more than suitable for home automotive maintenance and other tasks around the home. It has a nice appearance. The storage case is particularly practical. Plus, it is really convenient as far as transportation is concerned.

detailed parameters
Total Quantity

107 pieces

Kit Contents

Handles with 1/4" drive, metric and SAE shallow sockets, extension bars, socket adapters, combination spanners, bit driver with bits, hex keys, storage case

Material

Cr-V steel

Extras

Ratchet reversing lever, 72-tooth ratcheting mechanism, anti-slip driver handle, engraved markings

Warranty

Limited lifetime

PROS

The reversing lever will help you effortlessly change the direction of the 72-tooth ratcheting mechanism. The flush-mounted design of the lever prevents the usual round-off issue. It keeps the lever in the right position so you won't accidentally change the fastening direction.

CONS

The kit doesn't contain combination spanners. 

OUR VERDICT

The Mannesmann M29166 is definitely one of the more practical mechanic tool sets. It may not be the most comprehensive option on the market. But the set is great for all kinds of screwdriving works. It will help you break even the most stubborn fastener and make your job a whole lot easier.

detailed parameters
Total Quantity

130 pieces

Kit Contents

Handles with 1/4" drive, metric shallow sockets, extension bar, socket adapter, bit driver with bits, storage case

Material

Cr-V steel

Extras

Flush-mounted ratchet reversing lever, quick-release mechanism on handles, 72-tooth ratcheting mechanism, anti-slip driver handle, engraved markings

Warranty

10 years

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Parker PSS-215

A Hundred Extra Pieces

What makes a mechanic tool set professional? Well, the number of tools and accessories would be a good place to start, if you ask us. Where an average tool set like that will give you about a hundred of those to work with, the Parker PSS-215 includes 215 different pieces. Dubbed "the ultimate socket set", this product includes just about everything a professional would ever need in his practice.

In addition to all of the usual guests, this set comes with a socket driver, an array of different hex keys, a larger number of universal joints, and a much larger number of different accessories.

But it isn't just about all the pieces that you get as the storage case itself doesn't lose one bit either. It incorporates 2 extra clips (2 on the front and 2 on the sides), so it keeps the upper half of the case securely in place.

Every compartment fits every item to a tee, so the case doesn't create any kind of noise during transportation. Plus, there's next to no chance the tools will fall out of their compartments, meaning that you'll always be able to keep the toolkit neat and organised.

About the only issue we have with this set is the smallest hex keys that are prone to deformation. But that's to be expected given their size and form, so you can't really hold it against the product.

In short, the sheer number of pieces make the Parker PSS-215 a good candidate for the best mechanic tool set. And if it isn't the best set, it is certainly the most complete one. There isn't a project it won't allow you to tackle and a problem it won't help you fix.

Review of Parker PSS-215 215 Piece Professional Mechanic Set

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £106.99
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B012SIRA4A

 

Silverline 868818

All the Right Pieces

Since the Silverline 868818 includes only 90 different tools and accessories, it might not seem like the most complete option on the market. And, in all honesty, it isn't. For example, it doesn't include a drive bit for bit sockets.

But you'd be surprised how versatile and practical this toolkit really is. Among those 90 pieces, you'll find a universal joint and socket bits, something that you generally don't get out of a toolkit like that.

The said universal joint, when paired with extension bars, will allow you to position the sockets at a different angle to the handles. This way, you'll be able to reach the fasteners in what you would normally describe as out-of-reach areas.

Speaking of fine-tuning and confined spaces, the car tool set in question will provide you with a 72-tooth ratcheting mechanism. It won't give you that high torque you need for some of the toughest fasteners but it will help you get to those that aren't placed in a very convenient space.

All of the tools and pieces are made of Cr-V steel, featuring the sort of quality that will help these tools survive the rough and tumble of a busy workshop. And, of course, they all incorporate engraved markings, so you'll always be able to find the right tool in no time at all.

To sum it up, the Silverline 868818 will prove a pretty good choice for a professional car mechanic or anyone who deals with car maintenance one way or the other. You can throw this thing into the boot of your car and you'll always be ready for any potential issue on the road.

Review of Silverline 868818 90 Peice Mechanics Tool Set

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £82.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B000T9XQ0S

 

VonHaus 15/176

A Range of Projects

The VonHaus 15/176 is one of the most well-thought-out and comprehensive sets on the market today. Equipped with 104 different pieces, the product is excellent for all kinds of DIY projects in and around the house. Of course, it is just as well-suited for plumbing, mechanical, and electrical jobs.

All of the pieces are made of high-quality tempered carbon steel. On top of that, a number of selected parts also include chrome vanadium. Each spanner and socket features engraved markings on both sides, so you'll waste less time looking for the right tool.

All of the handles and the drive bits incorporate non-slip grips. They're particularly comfortable and do a pretty good job of preventing the tools from slipping out of your hands.

Of course, all of the tools come with a storage case. More specifically, a heavy-duty blow-moulded case that is as rugged as it is convenient. The clearly laid out and labelled compartments simplify and improve tool organisation.

Our only complaint about the case is that the clips are a bit flimsy and tend to lose their grip over time. But if you'll be careful with them, it shouldn't cause any major inconveniences.

And that's about all there is to it. If you're looking for one of the more versatile mechanic tool sets, you should definitely consider giving the VonHaus 15/176 a shot.

Review of VonHaus 15/176 104 Piece Mechanic Tool Set
Last updated price £34.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B076KK1HC5

 

Draper 68504

A Looker That's Easy to Transport

On one hand, the Draper 68504 Redline is one of the more basic sets on our list. For instance, the ratchet reversing lever that it comes with isn't flush-mounted. Also, the handles do not incorporate a quick-release mechanism, so changing the bits will be a slightly more tiresome process.

Having said that, the product also has a lot going for it. For one, the whole thing is quite compact and particularly portable. The overall dimensions add up to precisely 34 x 27.2 x 8 centimetres. The storage case with all of the 107 pieces weighs just 2.68 kilograms, so it won't be difficult carrying this thing around with you.

Plus, it all looks pretty dishy too. The black case looks sharp and surprisingly elegant. The red holders and the handle will help you distinguish the right parts. All of the compartments are marked, making it easy and oddly satisfying to store everything in its place.

Of course, at the end of the day, it is all about the tools, bits, and other accessories. And we can't say there is much to complain about here. The quality is solid. All of the necessary pieces are there.

Plus, the sockets and the hex keys incorporate the Torx™ design that gives you 2 different sizes in a single tool. They also feature an off-corner loading on the box end that ensures an improved grip and reduces the rounding of the fastener.

In conclusion, the Draper 68504 Redline is a perfect set for beginners. It is more than suitable for home automotive maintenance and other tasks around the home. It has a nice appearance. The storage case is particularly practical. Plus, it is really convenient as far as transportation is concerned.

Review of Draper 68504 Redline 107 Piece Mechanics Tool Kit

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B011KJDTX4

 

Mannesmann M29166

Breaks the Most Stubborn Fastener

The Mannesmann M29166 is all about practicality and less about appearance and design. As far as the visual aspect is concerned, there isn't much to talk about here. The plastic case looks solid and all of the sockets and bits have the same mean appearance.

The best thing about this set is definitely the number of bits. It doesn't include a combination spanner, which is a bit of a shame as it limits the potential range of applications. But about 120 of different bits definitely make up for any shortcomings caused by the lack of the said spanner.

You have here your screwdriver bits, including those secure Torx and secure hex or "allen" variants. There isn't a fastener out there that you won't be able to tackle.

Naturally, it isn't just about the bits. The tools and the handles play a big role in all of it, so they have to be up to par as well. Here, we have a convenient reversing lever that will help you effortlessly change the direction of the 72-tooth ratcheting mechanism.

Plus, the flush-mounted design of the lever prevents the usual round-off issue. It keeps the lever in the right position so you won't accidentally change the fastening direction.

So, what we do make of it? Well, as we've said earlier, the Mannesmann M29166 is definitely one of the more practical mechanic tool sets. It may not be the most comprehensive option on the market. But the set is great for all kinds of screwdriving works. It will help you break even the most stubborn fastener and make your job a whole lot easier.

Review of Mannesmann M29166 130 Piece Socket and Bit Set
Last updated price £26.80
Stock In stock
ASIN B009I4HRDW

 

What Is a Mechanic Tool Set?

There are few feelings that can match the overwhelming pride that comes with fixing your favourite truck or car with your own two hands. Well, your hands and a set of garage tools of course. And while people even 40 years ago might have used basic wrenches and rusty old keys, any professional mechanic nowadays will tell you that a good master uses a mechanic tool kit instead. Packed to the brim with all the tools you need to fix up your ride by hand, these sets can be used both by professionals and amateurs to mitigate any damage done to vehicles. These include screwdrivers, wrenches, hex keys, sockets, and much, much more.

Of course, the sets usually come in a handy carry box to make sure your tools are always in order and nothing is lost during transportation. Plus, the majority of these kits have both imperial and metric pieces to work with. The complete set might run anywhere from 100 to 300 pieces in all, so it might be a tough sell as a starter kit but the satisfaction of repairing your car by yourself is worth the time you’ll take to figure things out.

And if you are in the market for tools, don’t forget to check out our tool bags and power drills reviews.

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Publish Date: 2018-11-05 11:33:40